Dear Rusty,

There is no way to tell the rate at DC will reoccur because each case is different.

To gauge my own, I looked at older family members and their progression. My uncle had had 3 surgeries by the time he was 65 and his fingers curved back (only worse) within six months of each surgery, so he elected not to go under the knife any more. He was left without the use of his left hand and minimal use of the right.

Using this information (not scientific) I chose to believe that I would require NA at least once every two years if I was lucky - clearly DC is aggressive in at least one person in my family.

So far I have passed the three year mark with only a slight return of the curvature (about 10%) in my left pinkie. I consider this a major victory but am realistic that at any moment the disease may begin to progress again and I will require NA to straighten it.

Last week my brother (age 50) showed me the cords that have developed in his left hand since the summer and tells me his left shoulder is aching....seems he might have DC too (no nodules yet).

He was scared and I felt grateful to be able to tell him about NA with confidence. We even joked about being able to share the hotel/travel costs.

There is a silver lining in everything isn't there?

observer

I also had Na last January. Dr. Eaton straighted my little finger. My little finger is still straight. I was charged $700 plus about $150 or so for a splint, as I recall. I do not know what Dr. Bourland charges. As I said, my experiance was with Dr. Eaton.

on the short side, my fingers resumed curling within a month of seeing dr eaton initially...two weeks the second time i went...but he said i was the extreme and have luckily found drugs that help stave off reoccurance if you look in the 'colchicine and alc' category on this board.

Had NA in April of last year on BOTH HANDS.

Am scheduled to see Dr Eaton on March 17th of this year for just one hand this time.
Other hand still doing fine.

Who knows how these things progress... I am just happy that there is a Dr Eaton around to help us all out, What would we all do with out him ???

Would be glad to answer any questions directly
Be well, Miriam

For me it was fast. Fingers started curling again after eigth, nine months.